Backyard bash an ‘epic’ show

jon m. pompia
Life

Published: June 23, 2013;Last modified: June 15, 2014 09:21PM

Big scope, sweeping vision, epic payoff.

When describing Saturday’s incredible Bands in the Backyard Music Festival, held on the Tommy Giodone property on the Mesa, “epic” is indeed an accurate adjective. An estimated 13,000 party-happy fans converged in a dirt field-turned concert venue to hear five country-flavored bands, including headliner Gary Allan and the hot stars on the scene, Parmalee and Florida Georgia Line.

The turnout was more than even Giodone — no stranger to big, blowout productions — could imagine.

While the gates opened at 10 a.m., the music started later in the afternoon, with regional acts Overton Road and Charley Jenkins warming up the crowd. By 6 p.m., when the North Carolina-based Parmalee took the stage, the party mood was in overdrive.

And brothers Matt and Scott Thomas were only too happy to add fuel to the festive fire.

With a look and style more rock than country, Parmalee’s theme was simple but universal: good times and groovy feelings. In addition to the group’s big hit “Carolina,” Parmalee blasted the tune that encapsulates the band’s attitude toward life and music: “Musta Had a Good Time,” complete with a “good time” call and response with the audience.

And how can you not love a band that creates a medley from songs by the Allman Brothers, Charlie Daniels Band and Marvin Gaye?

Like Parmalee, Florida Georgia Line is part of the “new wave” of country rock that has captured the attention of the nation. Composed of charismatic and talented co-lead vocalists and guitarists Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelly, with help from four crack musicians, FGL tore through a lengthy set of songs that focused on — big surprise — partying, having a good time and liquid refreshments.

There were plenty of shout-outs to Pueblo and the state of Colorado, the firefighters battling blazes, beer, women and clubbing.

All the charting hits were delivered, including the smooth “Dayum Baby,” “Get Your Shine On,” the chart-topping “Here’s to the Good Times,” “It’z Just What We Do,” and, of course, “Cruise,” the No. 1 smash that broke the band in a big way.

Like Parmalee, FGL wisely exploits its good looks and rock star aura, and the throngs of young women pressed hard against the steel stage barrier couldn’t have been happier.

The “elder statesmen” of the bill, Gary Allan put on a no-frills show that put the spotlight on the multitude of solid songs he has released in his long career. Dressed simply in a blue T-shirt and black jeans, Allan — with help from his skilled band — amply demonstrated why he has earned “iconic” status in the country scene.

For the most part, Allan’s set centered around the mid-tempo, bittersweet songs of love and loss that have become his stock and trade. The best of these were “It Ain’t The Whiskey,” “Watching Airplanes,” “Man to Man,” “Still Learning How to Bend,” “Get Off on the Pain” and “Best I Ever Had.” A pleasant change of pace was the hard-tinged “Bones,” which Allan referred to as one of his few “ticked off” songs. Covers of Del Shannon’s “Runaway” and INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart” were nice touches.

It seems that Bands in the Backyard will become an annual event, as Giodone announced plans to release next year’s lineup within the coming weeks.

If things continue at this pace, Tommy G is going to need a bigger backyard.